Written by Jake Hood
On Saturday, college football fans will get to witness a match up that no one has seen in over 30 years.
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide kickoff the season against the USC Trojans in the house that Jerry Jones built.
Expectations are high all around as both teams enter the year ranked in the top 25. USC finished 8-6 in 2015 and are ranked twentieth in the nation, while the defending national champions enter the year on top of the polls.
The last time these two teams faced off was December 28, 1985. In that game Alabama toppled the Trojans 24-3. They lead the series overall 5-2.
It is still unclear who the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide will be just one day before the season opener. However, it appears that the Lane Kiffin offense has narrowed it down to two: redshirt freshman Blake Barnett and junior Cooper Bateman.
Starting a new quarterback is nothing new for Nick Saban, as this will be his fourth time doing so as head coach for the Tide. Alabama’s four previous rookie quarterbacks have led the team to a total record of 52-3, and have brought three national championships back to Tuscaloosa.
But whoever Alabama’s starter is, they’ll have plenty of targets. The Crimson Tide will field one of the most talented wide-receiver groups in the country this year, including sophomore Calvin Ridley, who led all SEC freshman receivers in catches with 89 in 2015.
The Trojans place an inexperienced man under center as well this year. Quarterback Max Browne has thrown just nineteen passes in nine games in his past three seasons at USC. It was announced that he would be the starter at the end of USC’s fall camp.
Despite a lack of experience under center, the Trojans enter 2016 with ample experience in the run game. Both Justin Davis and Ronald Jones II return to the Trojan rush attack after 900+ yard seasons from each player in 2015.
On the other side of the field the Tide replace 2015 Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry with sophomore running back Bo Scarbrough. Scarbrough brings his overwhelming size to Alabama’s historically astounding ground game.
The teams face off in Dallas at 7 p.m. EST. This game will be televised on ABC.
Stay tuned to The Skyboat for continued college football coverage.
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide kickoff the season against the USC Trojans in the house that Jerry Jones built.
Expectations are high all around as both teams enter the year ranked in the top 25. USC finished 8-6 in 2015 and are ranked twentieth in the nation, while the defending national champions enter the year on top of the polls.
The last time these two teams faced off was December 28, 1985. In that game Alabama toppled the Trojans 24-3. They lead the series overall 5-2.
It is still unclear who the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide will be just one day before the season opener. However, it appears that the Lane Kiffin offense has narrowed it down to two: redshirt freshman Blake Barnett and junior Cooper Bateman.
Starting a new quarterback is nothing new for Nick Saban, as this will be his fourth time doing so as head coach for the Tide. Alabama’s four previous rookie quarterbacks have led the team to a total record of 52-3, and have brought three national championships back to Tuscaloosa.
But whoever Alabama’s starter is, they’ll have plenty of targets. The Crimson Tide will field one of the most talented wide-receiver groups in the country this year, including sophomore Calvin Ridley, who led all SEC freshman receivers in catches with 89 in 2015.
The Trojans place an inexperienced man under center as well this year. Quarterback Max Browne has thrown just nineteen passes in nine games in his past three seasons at USC. It was announced that he would be the starter at the end of USC’s fall camp.
Despite a lack of experience under center, the Trojans enter 2016 with ample experience in the run game. Both Justin Davis and Ronald Jones II return to the Trojan rush attack after 900+ yard seasons from each player in 2015.
On the other side of the field the Tide replace 2015 Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry with sophomore running back Bo Scarbrough. Scarbrough brings his overwhelming size to Alabama’s historically astounding ground game.
The teams face off in Dallas at 7 p.m. EST. This game will be televised on ABC.
Stay tuned to The Skyboat for continued college football coverage.